COMPOSERS: Haydn
LABELS: Sony
WORKS: Symphony No. 26 (Lamentatione); Symphony No. 48 (Maria Theresia); Symphony No. 49 (La passione)
PERFORMER: L’Estro Armonico/Derek Solomons
CATALOGUE NO: SMK 66929 DDD (1982/84)
These three symphonies (c1768) come from the splendid Haydn cycle that Derek Solomons and L’Estro Armonico recorded for CBS in the early Eighties. Using period instruments and a small chamber orchestra similar to Haydn’s at Eszterháza, Solomons produced what are still, for me, the most thrilling performances of this repertoire on disc. This is Haydn pushing to extend the emotional capabilities of symphonic form, from the dizzying elation of the ceremonial ‘Maria Theresia’ to the turbulent meditations of ‘La passione’. Solomons brings the Sturm und Drang of Haydn’s inner dramas vividly, starkly, to life. Enthralling music, brilliantly played. More, please, Sony! Graham Lock
Haydn: Symphony No. 26 (Lamentatione); Symphony No. 48 (Maria Theresia); Symphony No. 49 (La passione)
These three symphonies (c1768) come from the splendid Haydn cycle that Derek Solomons and L’Estro Armonico recorded for CBS in the early Eighties. Using period instruments and a small chamber orchestra similar to Haydn’s at Eszterháza, Solomons produced what are still, for me, the most thrilling performances of this repertoire on disc. This is Haydn pushing to extend the emotional capabilities of symphonic form, from the dizzying elation of the ceremonial ‘Maria Theresia’ to the turbulent meditations of ‘La passione’.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm